I lived in banchory for a while . Not as bad as you think price wise for rentals but i agree on that list it would be the least for your money- shops there are expensive though tesco there definantly caters for the afluent . Alot of organics and finest range – very little market value to be had.
I moved from banchory to peterculter/drumoak.
Kintore depresses me seems to look like a retirement vilage when ever ive been there.
Alford i like but i associate alford with going skiing 🙂
Lots of small villages in between as well but just be careful not to end up on a rat run as ive seen folk driving through kirkton of skene and durris at speeds unsuitable for an a road never mind a built up area.
Importantly , good cycling near most places mentioned except kintore – its a bit of no mans land for mtb or road.